By: Julius Konton
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has been awarded the Grand Prix MEDays, the highest distinction conferred by the MEDays Forum often referred to as “the Davos of the Global South.”
The honor was presented on Wednesday during the Forum’s high-profile opening ceremony attended by policymakers, global executives, diplomats, and more than 5,000 participants from over 90 countries, according to organizers of the Amadeus Institute.
The Grand Prix MEDays is reserved for exceptional global leaders whose work significantly advances governance, peace, regional cooperation, and sustainable development across the Global South.
The Forum cited President Boakai’s leadership in four critical areas:
Advancing Democratic Governance:
President Boakai has been widely recognized for strengthening Liberia’s governance architecture, promoting accountability, and reaffirming democratic norms at a time when West Africa faces democratic backsliding.
ECOWAS data indicate that over six countries in the region have undergone unconstitutional changes of power since 2020, making Liberia’s democratic stability a notable exception.
Since taking office, Boakai has emphasized institutional rebuilding, anti-corruption measures, and improved public-sector efficiency key pillars of Liberia’s post-war recovery.
His administration has launched reforms aimed at modernizing public finance systems, restoring professionalism in the civil service, and revitalizing national planning frameworks.
Liberia remains one of West Africa’s most stable democracies despite regional volatility.
Boakai has prioritized cross-border cooperation, security partnerships, and peacebuilding efforts that align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The MEDays Committee highlighted Liberia’s steady role in promoting dialogue and maintaining calm within the Mano River Union.
Under Boakai’s leadership, Liberia has renewed partnerships with multilateral institutions and strengthened diplomatic engagements.
International investment inflows to West Africa grew by 14% in 2024, according to UNCTAD, and Liberia has been repositioning itself to attract a larger share of regional opportunities in energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, and agriculture.
The award was presented shortly after President Boakai delivered a keynote address outlining Liberia’s renewed commitment to governance reforms, sustainable development, and a more assertive role in the global arena.
The audience which included heads of state, global CEOs, civil society leaders, and policy experts responded with strong applause as the Liberian leader accepted the recognition.
The honor marks a significant milestone for Liberia, affirming its return to global prominence after years of governance challenges.
For President Boakai, the award symbolizes both recognition and responsibility.
Analysts note that the Grand Prix MEDays Award may further strengthen Liberia’s diplomatic presence and enhance investor confidence as the administration accelerates national development priorities.
Held annually in Tangier, the MEDays Forum is one of the most influential strategic gatherings in the Global South, providing a platform for high-level dialogue on geopolitics, global governance, climate transition, and economic development. The Forum has hosted over 250 speakers and policymakers this year, offering a space for emerging countries to define shared solutions to global challenges.
